Kota kinabalu: A businessman with the title ‘Datuk’ has been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly soliciting RM6,000 from an individual to obtain a Pahang state award. The suspect, in his 40s, was arrested at about noon today when he appeared at the Sabah MACC Office here to give a statement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the suspect is believed to have offered to help the complainant obtain the title of Datuk from Pahang in 2023, even though he did not have the authority to do so. “The suspect is believed to have dishonestly induced the complainant to transfer RM6,000 purportedly for the purchase of ceremonial clothing accessories needed to obtain the award,” a source said.

Sabah MACC director Datuk S Karunanithy confirmed the arrest and said that the suspect was released on bail. He said the suspect is scheduled to be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court this Thursday under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.